Artist:
Planetary Assault Systems
Title:
Sky Scraping
Label:
Token Records
Cat#:
TOKEN103
Release Date:
15th October 2021
Format:
CD, vinyl, download & streaming
Tracklist Vinyl:
A1.
Labstract
A2.
One For The Groove
B1.
Give In
B2.
If I Die
C1.
Coal
C2.
Run
D1.
The Drag Train
D2.
Nano Chameleon
Tracklist CD:
01.
Labstract
02.
One For The Groove
03.
Bang Wap
04.
Say It Loud
05.
Give In
06.
If I Die
07.
Coal
08.
Run
09.
The Drag Train
10.
Nano Chameleon
Tracklist Digital:
01.
Labstract
02.
One For The Groove
03.
Bang Wap
04.
Say It Loud
05.
Give In
06.
If I Die
07.
Coal
08.
Devotion
09.
Run
10.
The Drag Train
11.
Nano Chameleon
Press Info:
Luke Slater preps new Planetary Assault Systems album, Sky Scraping.
The iconic British producer, whose last LP arrived via Ostgut Ton in 2016, follows up this year’s Say It Loud on Token with a full length featuring a wealth of brand new material.
A figure who needs little introduction to fans of the genre, but whose consistency in the studio and on the road has repeatedly marked him out as true pioneer of sound design and performance with a singular vision, Slater first minted the PAS alias in ’93. Since then, a slew of singles and LP’s from the industrious artist have made sure Planetary Assault Systems has become a byword for hypnotic, funk-heavy Techno in a purist tradition. Toeing the line between heady, psychedelic material and all out main room fare – Slater’s work as PAS captures the very best facets of the genre, with economically selected parts exquisitely arranged and engineered with a shrewd and uncompromising ear for what really makes people move.
On the new LP, Slater draws on studio material but also components recorded during the PAS live show – and he’s keen to let fans know the focus is well and truly on the dance floor with this one: Sky Scraping is a loud and unabashed celebration of the formative and familiar environments so loved by the electronic music community, the dark clubs and festivals made special by their unique ability to bring like minded people together.
Sky Scraping kicks off in characteristically dense, psychedelic fashion with Labstract – a slice of classic PAS with cavernous low end and a tight, looping sequence doing the driving work while frenetic drum machine cuts and wide angle synth sirens shift the track onwards from one phase to the next. Follow up One For The Groove showcases the chunkier side of Slater’s production as PAS with an infectious 909 pattern propelled on in the high mids by a squelching synth patch. Bang Wap revisits the artist’s last outing on Token – a monstrous, unforgiving roller designed with peak time in mind. Say It Loud – the idiosyncratic proto-anthem that accompanied Bang Wap earlier in the year leads the LP onwards, before sequing into new recording Give In – a masterclass in dense, funky, face-melting Techno. Drums take centre stage on If I Die, as the artist returns to the 909 for a marginally slowed down cut that really highlights the artist’s connection to and natural affinity with groove and drum machine cuts. Coal thrusts the listener straight back down the wormhole – an extraordinary, driving piece propelled by a guttural lead synth sequence and ghostly drums, before giving way to Run – a dry, pared back recording with plucked, staccato synths that makes for a good contrast to its fathoms deep predecessor. Though not without moments of hysteria in its closing quarter, The Drag Train, featuring a classic, more mono finish begins the wind down towards the LP’s close. Nano Chameleon ties up Sky Scraping, a track as forceful as anything that has come earlier on the record – as it approaches its close, a warping lead powers the recording home with shuffling white noise percussion dipping in and out of the sonic main stage before giving way to a delicate, controlled chaos.
Snippets:
Full Track Streaming:
“Coal”
“One For The Groove”
Video:
“Say It Loud”
Special:
“at Dekmantel Festival 2013”
Related Releases:
PAS’ EP “Devotion” on Token Records
PAS’ EP “Say It Loud” on Token Records
Recommendations:
all stuff Luke Slater stuff we featured
all releases on Token Records we featured
Buy CD:
Planetary Assault Systems @ Bandcamp
Juno
WOM
Rough Trade
Bleep
Boomkat
more soon
Buy Vinyl:
Planetary Assault Systems @ Bandcamp
Deejay
Juno
OYE Records
WOM
Decks
Rough Trade
Phonica Records
HHV
HHV
Bleep
Boomkat
more soon
Buy Download:
Planetary Assault Systems @ Bandcamp
JunoDownload
Bleep
Boomkat
Beatport
TraxSource
iTunes
Clone Digital
7Digital
more soon
Commercial Streaming Services:
Tidal
Spotify
Deezer
Youtube Music
Booking:
Reprise Talent Agency
Websites:
Planetary Assault Systems / Luke Slater @ Facebook
Token Records
© Photo By Sven Marquardt
